‘‘And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons’’. Exo.28:1

Additional reading: Num. 18:7; Heb. 5:1, 4

Having given Moses a structural layout of His place of worship, it was expedient to appoint officials to ensure proper worship procedures and other activities related to godliness in the camp. So God told Moses: ‘‘And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.’’

Here again God was specific, He did not mince words; He clearly told Moses those who were to act in the priest’s office: ‘‘And take [qarab … a primitive root; to approach (causatively bring near) for whatever purpose, bring, cause to bring, bring forth, come, come near, come nigh, draw nigh, present, produce, make ready] thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among [min … properly a part of; hence (prepositionally),from or out of in many senses….] the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office [kahan … a primitive root; apparently meaning to mediate in religious services; to officiate as a priest; figuratively to put on regalia:- deck, be priest, do the office of a priest, executive the priest’s office, minister in the priest’s office ], even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.’’

Moses was instructed by God, thus: Bring [make ready, produce and present] Aaron your brother and his sons out from the children of Israel that Aaron and his sons; Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar will officiate as priests — (Author’s words). As priests, Aaron and his sons were to act as intermediaries (mediators) between God and man by offering sacrifices for the sins of the people and leading the nation of Israel in worship of the LORD. Put in another way, as priest (chosen by God from among the people) they were simply mediators between God and the people of Israel. They were to interpret, uphold and make known to the people the will of God as contained in the Ten Commandments — the Covenant, and at the same time mediate on behalf of the people by offering sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people, and, of course, their sins too. ‘‘FROM AMONG the Israelites take you brother Aaron and his sons with him, that he may minister to Me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. (AMP).

In this regard, God detailed Moses on every single issue concerning the priesthood of Aaron and his sons including their ceremonial regalia even to the manner of their consecration. Every bit of attire had its significance.

The breastplate: It was square shaped and where 12 precious stones were placed with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel inscribed on each stone — 28:4.
The ephod: It was a sleeveless garment reaching the knee and worn as an apron over the robe — v6.
The names of Israel: He represented the people as high priest as Christ represents us in the presence of God — v 29
The Urim and the Thummim: Were used to determine the will of God. The literal meaning is ‘‘lights‘’ and ‘‘perfections,’’ or ‘‘curses’’ and ‘‘perfections.’’ — v30

For Aaron and his sons to function effectively as priests they were of necessity to be taken from among their people. This was so because for them to function in this office as mediators they needed to know the people, their lifestyle, thought pattern, their pains, etc. This was a qualification that could not be washed away because for intercession to be effective the mediator or priest must of necessity empathize with the people, i.e. identify with the people, feel and understand their pains the way they do. And again, Aaron and his sons did not choose themselves; neither did Moses, but God Himself appointed them to minister to Him as priests — to prepare the camp for worship. As high priest, Aaron represented the people in the presence of the LORD each time he entered the Holy of holies.

Again, we see God’s earnest desire to have His people continuously live holy and righteous lives. No one can worship God in sin and trespasses. In this regard, God appointed priests to offer sacrifices daily to atone for the sins of the people so that there will be no barrier as they lifted up their hands in worship unto the LORD. As members of the congregation of Christ, who have been redeemed by Jesus, we must present our bodies holy that our worship is not hindered.

Meditation: Have I been worshipping the LORD in sin or in holiness and righteousness?

Prayer: Cleanse me once again as I surrender my life, my all; that I can worship You in the beauty of holiness.